Assessing the Mechanical, Structural and Thermal Performance of Boehmeria Nivea and Agave Sisalana Fiber Reinforced Polymer Composite by using Seashell Powder as a Filler Material

Natural fiber composites have replaced plastics and have been used to the maximum extent.
Hybridization of natural fibers with filler materials has achieved higher tensile, impact, and flexural
strength compared to single fiber composites. In this research, the mechanical properties were
investigated with the ramie and sisal hybrid fiber reinforced with seashell powder as filler material.
Filler material can enhance the flexural property of the natural fiber. Hybrid composite plates were
prepared by varying the weight percentage of fiber, and seashell filler material was varied by 5% and
7.5%. With the help of a high-pressure compression molding machine, the composite samples were
prepared. Tensile, flexural, and impact behavior of the hybrid composite were evaluated as per the
ASTM standards. As a result of hybridization of natural fibers, it shows excellent mechanical properties
with 35% of fiber and 7.5% of seashell filler. Filler material enhanced the properties of tensile strength
of 14.98 MPa to 28.44 MPa and flexural strength from 39.65 MPa to 76.52 MPa. Analysis of micro
and nanoparticle imaging characterization of the hybrid composite was examined with the help of
Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), revealing the distribution and bonding between fibers and filler.
Based on the experimental results, the ramie and sisal hybrid polymer composite with seashell filler
material is highly recommended for the development of medium density fiberboard (MDF), lightweight
materials.